Philippines to organize major chess tournaments in 2010

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) will host the Asian Continental Individual men's and women's championships on 20-30th April, for the third time in four years. The allocated prize fund is $55,000, of which $40,000 are for the men's event and $15,000 for the women's. In addition, top four finishers will qualify to play at the 2011 World Chess Cup scheduled in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

The NCFP President Prospero Pichay expects Filipino players to perform well in the 2010 edition, like they did in the two previous occasions that the country hosted the prestigious event. Last year, GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. earned a place in the World Cup when he finished among top ten in the Asian Championships held in Subic. In 2007, Darwin Laylo qualified for the World Cup during the Asian Championship held at the Cebu International Convention Center, also winning the Grandmaster title in the same event to double the celebration.

Another important event entrusted to the NCFP is ASEAN age-group chess tournament which will take place on 4-13th June at the Subic Exhibition and Convention Center. The Festival, which features region's brightest boys and girls, will be composed of six groups - U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18.

Source: CHESSDOM